Tuesday, April 08, 2008

Rangers tender two Michigan high schoolers

The Marquette Rangers continue their preparations for the upcoming 2008-2009 NAHL season with the signing of two more tenders, bringing the total to nine players tendered by the Rangers.

Nathan Milam, a forward from Livonia Churchill High School and a member of Team Michigan, and Kevin Gibson, a forward from Grosse Pointe North High School, signed their tenders late last week.

According to Rangers scouting personnel, Milam (who is not related to former Northern Michigan and Soo Indians defenseman Jamie Milam) is a highly-skilled offensive player who has the ability to be among one of the teams’ leading scorers. In 25 games this past season, Milam scored 45 goals and added 19 assists for 64 points on the year - an average of 2.56 points per game.

“Nathan has the ability to put on a show every time he touches the puck,” said Tom Boileau, Rangers director of player personnel. “He’s a fast skater, has great hands and a natural ability to score goals. This kid is fun to watch and he’s the kind of player every coach dreams of having on his bench.”

Gibson, according to Boileau, is a fearless, tough-nosed player who’s willing to go into the corners and win battles for the puck.

“Kevin will do whatever he’s asked to do and will do it well,” Boileau said. “He’s gritty, physical, he blocks shots, he does all the things a NAHL forward must to do to be successful. Add the fact that he can score, too, (46 points in 28 games) and he could be a great addition to the Rangers this next year.”